JAN VERTONGHEN says he and his Tottenham team-mates have believed themselves to be the best team in England for a couple of years now.

And the Belgium defender knows that Saturday provides the perfect opportunity to prove that to the world.

Tottenham face Chelsea in their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley tonight with their preparations overshadowed by the tragic death of coach Ugo Ehiogu, who passed away in the early hours of Friday after collapsing at the club’s training ground.

Vertonghen’s team have already beaten Chelsea on their own ground this season, but lost at Stamford Bridge. Last weekend Spurs narrowed the gap between the two teams at the top of the Premier League to just four points, with six matches left.

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Jan Vertonghen claims Tottenham are the best team in England

Tottenham v Chelsea combined XI

Tue, January 3, 2017

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“Wembley is a perfect moment to show we are the best. This is a showdown between two very good teams.”

What effect the result of this game has on the loser will be fascinating to observe as the title race nears its conclusion. Chelsea go into it after losing 2-0 at Manchester United with a virus sweeping their camp; Spurs in fine form after a 4-0 win over Bournemouth.

Vertonghen added: “We were hoping they would drop points. It would be a surprise if Chelsea let this slip, but we’re going to do everything we can.”